Infant exerciser and toy



March 19, 1957 E, E, SCHAEFER 2,785,503

INFANT EXERCISER AND TOY Filed NOV. 18, 1953 srl/111111114 i i@ fm@ f6 y vllllllll/llg//z/ l/lllIl/L INVENTOR. l Vl// 7 azz/@Byrdhfe United States This invention relates to an infant exerciser or toy of the `type adapted to be suspended across a crib or the like for use by infants.

Infant exercisers and amusement devices' of the foregoing character are widely used for attachment to a baby crib o1' play-pen or the like. Such a device usually consists of a bar having a plurality of toys or exercising elements suspended therefrom, and the bar is mounted across the crib by a pair of flexible straps or tapes connected to the ends of the bar and adapted to be tied or otherwise fastened to the top opposite side bars of the crib. The infant lying in the crib can play with the suspended toys or exercising elements using either his hands or his feet or both, thereby providing entertainment for the child and also contributing to muscular growth and development.

However, in articles of this type as heretofore known, difficulty is frequently encountered in positioning the device at a desired location between the sides of the crib. The end straps or tapes are usually permanently attached tothe suspension bar and any adjustment of the` bar bel tween thesides of the crib to correspond to the position of the infant in the crib must be accomplished by manipulating the straps at the points of attachment to the sides of the crib. Obviously, this is a clumsy and inconvenient procedure.

Accordingly, a primary object of my invention is to provide an infant exerciser and toy of the class described having novel adjustable means for positioning the device atany predetermined location between the sides of the crib.

A further object of the invention is to provide a toy and exercising device for infants having novel adjustable means for suspending the device across a crib or the like.

`Another object of the invention is to provide an improved toy and exercising device for infants. which can be secured between the sides cfa crib or the like and which can thereafter be shifted in a simple and convenient manner to any desired position between the sides ofthe crib without the necessity of manipulating the connections at the sides of the crib.

Still another object of the invention is to provideV a novel toy and exercising device for use on aninfants crib which is provided with novel means for releasably retaining the device at any desired position between the sides of the crib. i

Otherobjects and `advantages of the invention will become evident from the subsequent detailed description taken in conjunction with the' accompanying drawing, wherein: Fig. lis a` front elevational View of one specific embodiment ofthe invention as attached to the opposite sides of a cribor `the like; i

Fig. 2` isa fragmentary llongitudinall sectional View on an enlarged scale of thedevice shown in Fig. 1; V

Fig. `3jis`a transverse sectional view taken along the une 3;-3 ofFig. 2;

Fig: 4f.is` `a fragmentary transverse -lsectional view show#` ing `a modiied form of the invention;

arent CII Vice

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view' showing an additional` embodiment of the invention. v v

Broadly speaking, the foregoing .objects of the inven tion are` realized by providing an elongated continuous .flexible supporting element, such as a tape, strap, rope,

or the like, which is secured to the opposite sides of the crib and which has mounted thereon in slidable rela# tion an amusement orexercising device, e. g. a suspension bar from which a plurality of toysor exercising elements of various types may be suspended over the infant in the crib. Because of this sliding relationship between the suspension bar and its supporting element, the bar can be readily positioned at any desired location between the sides of the crib, and a frictional retaining means is also provided for holding the suspension bar in the desired location along the supporting element.

in Figs. l to 3 of the drawing, the flexible supporting element is in the form of an elongated strap or tape 11 extending across a crib or the like and having its opposite end portions looped, as at 12, around'the top opposite side bars of the crib, designated at 13, and secured by a pair o'f buckles M of the usual type. The suspension bar, in this caseis in the form of an elongated hollow tube 16 mounted on the strap 11 which extends axially through the tube. This hollow tubular member 16 may be made of any suitable light weight material such as the: transparent plastic material `shown in the drawing. which is particularly useful and attractive. Although a round tube is shown in the drawing, it will be evident that a tube having a square or other suitable cross-sectional shape could also be used. The tube 16 is supported `on the strap 1l by means of'apair of en-d closures which in this instance are in the form of caps 17 secured to the opposite ends of the tube 16`and having enlarged slots or apertures 1S through which the strap 1,1 extends in freely slidable relation. The'en'd caps 17 mayalso be made of plastic or any other suitable material which may be attractively `formed and decorated. As shown in Fig. 2, the caps i7 are cemented orotherwise more or less permanently connected to the ends of the tube 16 in order to prevent inadvertent detachment of the caps from the tube. However, it will be understood that a detachable relationship may be provided when desired such as by a tight frictional tit or `a threaded t of the caps on the end portions of the tube.` Of course, instead of caps 17 the ends of the tube 16 couldbe provided with internally fitting apertured plugs. j i

ln this embodiment of the invention, a plurality `of toys or exercising elements of anyone of `a number of types, such as the rings 319 andthe balls 21,. are suspended from suitable strings 232 which are connected to the tube` ld; in this instance, the wall of the tube 16" is formed with a plurality of small apertures 23 through which the strings 22 extend, the strings being knotted, `as at 2 4, `for attaching. the same tothe tube.` It will be understood thatan'y suitable toys orexercisingelements for' manipulation by the handsorthe feet ofv the infant may be suspended from the tube 16. i p u As will beapparent from the foregoing "construction, fthe tube 16 can be shifted axially along the `supporting strap llby reason of the slidable relation ofthe strap in the apertured caps i7. Forretainingthe tube 16 inpany: l

desiredlocation alongithe strap 11T, Ifprovidefaf4 suitable retaining` meansV whi'chiri` this embdirn t of-"the inve tionis in the fforrnfoff a `'relea's'able flockingdevice cariedif in the tube 16 and coacting with the strap 11. Thus, a tubular bushing 26 of metal or the like is fitted more or less centrally between the ends of the -tube 16 with the tape 11 extending axially through the bushing. A threaded aperture 27 is provided in the wall of the bushing 26, and a threaded locking element or screw 28 extends radially through an unthreaded opening 29 in the tube 16 and also through the threaded opening 27 in the bushing 26 so that the inner end of the screw 28 can engage the tape 11. The outer end of the screw 2S has a knurled enlargement or finger piece 31 for manipulating thc screw.V t

As will be readily understood, by screwing the locking member 28 inwardly relative to the tube 16 and the bushing 26, the tape 11 can be frictionally clamped between the bottom wall of the bushing Z6 and the inner end, designated at 32, of the screw for locking the tube 16 in position longitudinally of the tape 11. By loosen- Iing the locking element 2S, the frictional retaining pressure on the tape 11 is released and any desired adjustment in position of the tube 16 along the tape 11 can readily be made. Because the tape 11 is flat and is appreciably wider than it is thick, a transverse pin 33 extends diametrically across the bushing 26 in order to prevent lateral folding, rolling, or bunching of the tape l1. As best seen in Fig. 3, the tape 11 is thereby maintained in laterally spread out relation across its width so that it can be properly clamped against the underlying surface of the bushing 26 by engagement of the inner end 32 on the screw 28. The bushing 26 is held in fixed position between the ends of the tube 16 by the retaining action of the radial locking pin 28 which extends through the aperture 29 in the tube 16 and engages the threaded aperture 27 in the bushing.

In Figs. 4 and 5 a diiferen-t frictional retaining means is shown. Thus, the plastic tube 16 is fitted internally with a split resilient sleeve or generally C-shaped clamp 34 which is preferably made of spring metal or the like. The tape 11 is interposed in frictional clamping relation between'the resilient sleeve 341 and the tube 16, the split sleeve 34 being designed so that it is in a somewhat compressed v or contracted condition when inserted in the tube 16 so as to exert the desired frictional clamping pressure against the tape 11. In this form of the invention, the split sleeve lor clamp 34 is selected to provide a degree of fiictional pressure suflicient to hold the tube 16 against inadvertent longitudinal movement along the tape 11 as a result of any forces applied to the tube by the infant during normal use of the device. However, the clamping pressure exerted on the tape 11 between the sleeve 34 and the wall of the tube 16 is limited so that an adult can readily overcome the normal frictional retention and shift the tube 16 along the tape 11 to any desired position.

In Fig. 6, a slightly different embodiment of the invention is illustrated in connection with a rotatable amusement device known as a foot exerciser. An elongated tube 35 has rotatably mounted thereon by suitable bearings, one being shown at 36, an elongated cage 37 having end walls 38 and a plurality of circumferentially spaced rods or bars 39 extending axially therebetween. Although not necessary, the cage 37 may contain a plurality of balls, marbles, or the like (not shown) which provide added amusement for the infant as the cage is rotated by the feet of the infant in the crib. Also, if desired, the member 37 may have completely closed walls so as to f orm in eifect a rotating drum instead of the cage construction shown in the drawing. The tape 11 extends through the non-rotating tube 35 as before, and a locking screw 41 (similar to the screw 2S) extends radially through a threaded aperture 42 in the wall of the tube 35 adja-V cent one'end of the cage 37. By tightening the screw 41 the tape 11 isclamped against the inner wall of the tube 35 for holding the device in position longitudinally of the tape 11, but upon release of the screw 41 the tube 35 and cage 37 mounted thereon canfbeshifted to any desired position along the tape 11. If desired, instead of a continuous tube extending completely through the axis of the cage 37, it will be understood that a pair of short tubular portions may be provided, one at each end of the cage as bearing surfaces.

In Fig. 7, still another modication of the frictional retaining means is shown. In this case, the plastic tube 16 is provided with a pair of apertured end caps 43 which are generally similar to the caps 17 heretofore described. However, the end apertures or slots, indicated at 44, in the caps 43 are relatively restricted as compared with the dimensions of the tape 11 so that a limited degree of frictional retaining pressure is exerted by the caps 43 on the tape. The tape 11 is appreciably wider than it is thick and the elongated slot 44, although wide enough to accommodate the tape 11, is narrower than the thickness of the tape. Consequently, as will readily be seen from Fig. 7, the portion of the tape 11 which passes through the restricted slot 44 is compressed sufficiently to provide a predetermined degree of tightness of lit at the opposite ends of the suspension bar. This tightness of t is suiicient to prevent intentional shifting of the tube 16 by the efforts of the infant and at the same time allows the desired adjustment to be made by exerting more than normal forces on the device to move the same along the tape 11. Obviously, only one of the caps 43 need be provided with a restricted opening 44 if desired.

in Fig. 8 still another modification of the same principle is illustrated. In this embodiment, the plastic tube 16 is rigidly fitted with a plug or bushing 46 having an axial bore 47. The exible supporting element in this instance is in the form of an elongated rope or cord 48 which extends through the bore 47 of the bushing 46. The bore 47 is relatively restricted as compared with the diameter of the cord 48 so as to effect compression of the latter. It will be apparent that the frictional retaining pressure exerted by the bushing 46 on the cord or rope d3 likewise serves to hold the device in predetermined position along the cord 48 while in use by the infant but at the same time permits longitudinal adjustment by the application of above average shifting forces.

From the foregoing, it will be .seen that my invention provides a substantial improvement over infant devices of this character as heretofore known in that it permits adjustment of the position of the amusement device between the sides of the crib or the like in a rapid and convenient manner without the necessity of disturbing the connections at the sides of the crib. Moreover, the constructions are relatively simple and inexpensive-to manufacture. The retaining means may be in the form of a simple frictional pressure applying means which does not require manipulation or itmay take the form of a posi- Y tive locking device which requires release before the desired adjustment can be made.

Although the invention has been described in connection with certain specific structural embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various modifications and equivaient structures may be resorted to without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended ciaims.

I claim:

l. An infant exerciser and toy comprising an elongated flexible supporting element of pliable compressible material adapted to be secured at its endsto the opposite sides of'a crib, an elongated tube mounted on said supporting element with the latter extending axially through the tube, closure means at the opposite ends of said tube having apertures therethrough for said supporting element, said tube being supported by the apertured closure means in sliding relation on .said supporting element and being adapted to support an amusement or exercising means, and means carried by said tube and frictionally engaging and compressing said supporting element for retaining the element.

2. An infant exerciser and toy comprising an elongated flexible supporting element adapted to be secured at its ends to the opposite sides a crib, an elongated tube adapted to have amusement of exercising means supported thereon and having an internal Sleeve element mounted therein, said supportin element extending axially through said tube and said sleeve element, and threaded locking means projecting radially through said tube and 4said sleeve element, said locking means being adapted to be screwed inwardly of the tube whereby to clamp the supporting element between sleeve and the inner end of said locking means for releasably retaining said tube in desired position longitudinally of said supporting element.

3. An infant exerciser and toy comprising an elongated flexible supporting element adapted to be secured at its ends to the opposite sides of a crib, an elongated tube adapted to have an amusement or exercising means supported thereon and having a sleeve bushing tixedly mounted in concentric relation within said tube, said supporting element extending axially through said tube and said bushing, said bushing having a threaded radial aperture in the wall thereof, and a threaded lockingpin extending radiaily through the wall of said tube and through the threaded aperture in the wall of said bushing whereby to retain the bushing in xed relation axially or" the tube, said locking pin being adapted to be screwed inwardly of the tube whereby to press the inner end of the locking pin against said supporting element for frictionally clamping the latter against said bushing and thereby releasably locking the tube in desired location along said supporting element.

4. An infant exerciser and toy comprising an elongated ilexible supporting element adapted to be secured at its ends to the opposite sides of a crib, an elongated tube adapted to have an amusement or exercising means supported thereon and having an internal sleeve mounted therein, said supporting element extending axially through vsaid tube and said sleeve, a threaded locking member extending radially through said tube and said sleeve for releasably engaging said supporting element and clamping the same against said sleeve, and means extending transversely within said tube across said supporting element and adjacent said locking member for maintaining the supporting element in operative clamping position between the locking member and the sleeve.

5. An infant exerciser and toy comprising an elongated flat flexible tape adapted to be secured at its ends to the opposite sides of a crib, an elongated tube adapted to have amusement or exercising means supported thereon and having an internal sleeve bushing mounted therein, said tape extending axially through said tube and said bushing, a threaded locking member extending radially through the walls of said tube and said bushing for releasably clamping the tape against the bushing, and a transverse pin extending rigidly across said bushing adjacent said locking member for preventing the tape from undergoing lateral folding or rolling whereby to maintain the tape in laterally spread out condition to be clamped between the locking member and the bushing.

6. An infant exerciser and toy comprising an elongated flexible supporting element of pliable compressible material adapted to be secured at its ends to the opposite sides of a crib, an elongated tube mounted on said supporting element with the latter extending axially through the tube, means at the opposite ends of the tube providing restricted openings through which said element extends, said tube being supported at said openings in longitudinally slidable relation on said supporting esment and being adapted to mount an amusement or exercising means, and means carried by said tube and frictionally engaging and compressing said supporting element for retaining the tube in desired position longitudinally of said supporting element.

7. The device of claim 6 further characterized in that said last-named means comprises an adjustable locking member adapted to engage the supporting element under predetermined frictional pressure for securely holding the tube in any desired position, said locking member being `releasable for permitting longitudinal movement of the tube along said supporting element.

8. An infant exerciser and toy comprising an elongated ilexible supporting element of pliable compressible material adapted to be secured at its ends to the opposite sides of a crib, an elongated tubular member having a plurality of apertures in the wall thereof and mounted in axially slidable relation on said supporting element with the latter extending axially through said tubular member, a plurality of flexible strings depending from said apertures for suspending a plurality of exercise and toy elements, said strings having enlarged terminal portions within the tube for securing the strings in said apertures, and means carried by said tubular member and frictionally engaging and compressing said supporting element for retaining the tubular member in desired position longitudinally of said supporting element, said enlarged terminal portions underlying said supporting element so as not to interfere with sliding adjustment of the tubular member along the supporting element.

9. The device of claim 6 further characterized in that said last-named means comprises resilient compressible clamping means mounted within said tube with said supporting element being interposed between said clamping means and the inner wall of the tube.

10. The device of claim 9 further characterized in that said clamping means comprises a resilient split sleeve element tted within said tube in substantially compressed relation with said supporting element being interposed between the sleeve element and the inner wall of the tube.

ll. The device of claim 6 further characterized in that said tube is provided at its opposite ends with a pair of apertured closure members with the opening in at least one of said closure members being suticiently restricted relative to the size of said supporting element so that said tube is frictionally retained in desired location along said supporting element but is adapted to be shifted thereon by a force sufficient to overcome the frictional resistance at said restricted opening.

12. The device of claim ll further characterized in that said supporting element comprises a flat tape of greater width than thickness and the opening in said one closure member comprises an elongated slot which is long enough to accommodate the width of the tape but is narrower than the thickness of the tape whereby to exert a constrictive effect on the latter.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,826,810 Morishita Oct. 13, 1931 2,327,253 Eisel Aug. 17, 1943 2,579,701 Ridley et al. Dec. 25, 1951 

